This is a card stacked with potential up-and-comers and veterans looking to re-establish their footing. I wouldn’t attack this card with a heavy handed wallet, but I will definitely pepper some steaks here to build the bankroll so I can go bonkers at UFC 220 next week.

It’s impossible to take Jeremy Stephens seriously after he got roasted by Conor McGregor at the UFC 205 press conference. Getting destroyed by McGregor is still the highlight of Stephens’ career! He lost to Frankie Edgar in Madison Square Gordon, followed that up wit a questionable split decision loss to Renato Moicana and then put on a great show against Gilbert Melendez at UFC 215.

Advertisement

His recent victory over Melendez shouldn’t distract you from the fact that Stephens loses a lot. He’s 26-14 SU overall, and has gone just 3-5 SU in his last 8 fights. It should be mentioned, however, that Stephens puts on a great fight. That’s why he’s being thrown in to the literal lion’s den here. Honestly I’m not sure why these odds are remotely close.

Choi is an absolute killer, and was last seen in the octagon putting on the Fight of the Year in a loss to Cub Swanson at UFC 206. He’s battled injuries throughout 2017 so that may help explain why he’s only being favored by a little bit on this UFC Fight Night 124 line.

This will be a career statement for both fighters. Either Stephens submits a performance for the ages that reminds us that he’s the ninth ranked fighter in the featherweight division or Choi re-asserts himself as a real threat to start climbing up the boards again. To me, Choi is a devastatingly strong featherweight and I think that Stephens will be dumb enough to walk right in to the fists that have made The Korean Superboy famous.

Vitor Belfort +260 over Uriah Hall -310

The somewhat rapid ascension of Uriah Hall slammed in to a brick wall thanks to a brutal three-fight losing streak that started with a decision loss to Robert Whittaker and ended with two knockouts courtesy of Derek Brunson and Gegard Mousasi. Hall recently got back in the win column with a terrific stuffing of Krzysztof Jotko, that earned him Performance of the Night honors, but there are still way too many questions about the quality that the physically impressive fighter presents.

I believe in the thirty-three year old Hall, but it’s hard to have faith in him right this second. Vitor Belfort is the exact type of fighter that he’s had trouble dealing with. Despite his age, a recent win over Nate Marquardt has seemingly invigorated Belfort’s stock. There will be opportunity for Belfort to rock the vulnerable Hall with his trademark head kick.

All in all you’re betting on Hall’s carelessness here. I don’t like betting on fighters that get favored this heavily, so a cheap flier on Belfort surprising Hall is worth it in my eyes. Don’t get me wrong – I want Hall to win. He’s a talented fighter, but I think a veteran like Belfort can spoil his second coming.

Jessica-Rose Clark -118 over Paige VanZant -102

As the odds suggest, this fight is pretty close but the odds also consider VanZant’s massive popularity. Her last fight was a tough loss to Michelle Waterson over one year ago in December 2016 and a move to the flyweight division has long been delayed by various injuries and illness. It feels like the 23 year old’s body is already falling apart, and the distractions she has are obvious. I’m not faulting her for exploring opportunities or capitalizing on her fame at all. Get that money. I’m just trying to do the same by betting against her.

Clark is a serial split decision fighter and her debut against Bec Rawlings wasn’t enthralling, but it says enough to me that the oddsmakers prefer her against the much better known VanZant. At these odds, you’re getting strong value on Clark so bet away without restriction.

Emil Meek +475 over Kamaru Usman -650

This is obviously a complete shot in the dark. Usman is undefeated in his last ten fights and holds a record of 11-1 overall. He’s been on a somewhat quiet rampage since winning TUF 21 in 2015 and racked up four straight unanimous decisions before knocking out Sergio Moraes last September. By every standard, Usman is the best fighter in this bout by a mile.

Meek isn’t a pushover by any stretch but has a lot to prove after a unanimous decision over Jordan Mein at UFC 206. That win came shortly after Meek registered a huge upset over Rousimar Palhares to win the Venator Welterweight Championship. Meek is a big unit with a strong reach and heavy hands. His defence needs a ton of work, but overall he’s made big splashes with equally big upsets.

So I’m willing to lean a little heavier on the upset potential of Meek her and I advise you to do the same depending on your budget. Usman is seemingly being groomed for a run in the division and Meek will test him at every turn to try and earn his shot as well. This is a make or break fight for both, and while Usman should get the win, Meek is a worthy take with odds that will payout a little risk handsomely.

VegasInsider.com is not a gambling site, and does not accept or place wagers of any type. This website does not endorse or encourage illegal gambling. All information provided by this website is for news and entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of federal, state, provincial or local laws is strictly prohibited.

Activities offered by advertising links to other sites may be deemed an illegal activity in certain jurisdictions. This website assumes no responsibility for the actions by and makes no representation or endorsement of any activities offered by an advertiser.